AKE Safety Equipment

What AKE Safety Equipment does

AKE Safety Equipment is a Rochester, Minnesota-based, privately held manufacturer of fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems, founded in 1989 by Allen Kronebusch and operating as AKE Companies, LLC. The company sells exclusively under its registered STOP-FYRE brand, built around a proprietary clean-agent gas blend incorporating Halon 1211 that discharges without residue, is non-corrosive, electrically non-conductive, and requires no routine maintenance — in contrast to traditional dry-chemical extinguishers that demand monthly inspections, annual servicing, and hydrostatic testing. The product portfolio spans handheld units (Standard at $800, High Capacity at $1,200) sold individually or in 5/10/15-unit packs; automatic suppression units (Classic and Premium models with fusible-link deployment starting around $5,000); and engineered systems (Dry-line ACU, Dry-line Manual Release, and Wet-line AVWS priced up to $44,000) for cotton pickers, combines, engine rooms, and server racks. Refill services at $550-$962.50 per unit create a recurring service stream on the installed base.

The company monetizes primarily through direct-to-consumer e-commerce on ake.com with free US economy shipping, supplemented by phone-based enterprise sales for custom systems and a GSA Schedule Contract (#47QSMD20R0001) for federal and defense buyers. Customer segments are agriculture (farmers, Farm Rescue as Platinum Sponsor, truck and tractor pulling groups), individual consumers and homeowners, the U.S. military and first responders (via a GovX ID partnership offering 10% discounts), and industrial/heavy-equipment operators; the company states over 200 fire departments, first responder units, and sheriff departments as customers. Certifications across NFPA (10, 2001, 408, 96, 33, 72), ANSI/UL 711 and 2129, DOT-SP 21418, EPA Clean Air Act, and OSHA HazCom, plus a CAGE Code and UEI, enable government procurement. Operations are US-only (excluding Alaska and Hawaii for free shipping), and the firm has been continuously operating for 36+ years with 11-50 employees and no disclosed institutional capital.

Name

AKE Safety Equipment

Legal name

AKE Companies LLC

Website

https://www.ake.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AKE Safety Equipment is the manufacturer and distributor of fire extinguishers that also own, operate, and endorses fire safety companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Safety Equipment

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems (Clean Agent/Foam/CO2/Kitchen Hood) (IMAIAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems (Clean Agent/Foam/CO₂/Kitchen Hood) (BPABAHAD), Fire Extinguishers & Suppression Equipment Services (Inspection/Recharge/Hydrotest) (BPABAHAC)

Keywords

• Clean agent extinguishers
• Fire suppression systems
• Fire safety equipment
• Automatic fire suppression
• Portable fire extinguishers

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fire Extinguisher Sales: One-time sale of STOP-FYRE handheld and automatic fire extinguishers. Products available in individual units or bulk packs (5, 10, 15 units). High-capacity model priced at $1,200, Standard model at $800.
2. Refill Services: Refill service for used STOP-FYRE extinguishers. If unit is completely empty, customers receive a brand new unit at the refill price. Partial refills handled by weighing unit, refilling, and charging the difference. High Capacity refill: $962.50, Standard refill: $550.
3. Custom Automatic Systems: Custom-designed automatic fire suppression systems for specialized applications including cotton pickers, combines, engine rooms, and server racks. Pricing varies by system configuration (ACU systems up to $44,000).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AKE Safety Equipment manufactures and sells the STOP-FYRE® line of clean-agent fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems built on a proprietary Halon 1211 blend that leaves no residue, is non-corrosive, requires no maintenance, and supports multi-shot discharge. Products include handheld extinguishers (Standard and High Capacity), automatic units (Classic and Premium) with fusible-link deployment, and custom-engineered ACU systems (Dry-line ACU, Dry-line Manual Release, Wet-line AVWS) for agricultural equipment, engine rooms, server racks, and defense applications, complemented by refill services and a Lifetime No-Hassle Guarantee™.

Product overview

AKE Safety Equipment offers STOP-FYRE®, a portfolio of clean-agent fire suppression products built around a proprietary blend of fire suppression gases including Halon 1211. The product line centers on two handheld extinguisher models—Standard (comparable to 10lb dry chemical, 1000g agent, 3 FFP) and High Capacity (comparable to 20lb dry chemical, 1750g agent, 7 FFP)—both featuring multi-shot capability, no maintenance requirements, and no corrosive residue. Above the handhelds, AKE provides two tiers of automatic suppression: the Classic Automatic (single fusible link deployment, 7 FFP) and Premium Automatic (fusible link plus stainless steel braided hose with fusible plug for dual-point deployment). Custom engineered ACU systems, Dry-line Manual Release Systems, and Wet-line AVWS (Audio Visual Warning System) extend coverage for cotton pickers, combines, and industrial equipment. The portfolio is anchored by a Lifetime No-Hassle Guarantee™ and operates across a -40°F to +120°F temperature range.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STOP-FYRE®: Proprietary line of clean-agent fire extinguishers and automatic fire suppression systems. Includes handheld extinguishers (Standard and High Capacity models), automatic suppression systems (Classic and Premium), ACU (Automatic Control Unit), and AVWS (Audio Visual Warning System).

Products and services

• STOP-FYRE® Standard Fire Extinguisher Compact handheld clean-agent fire extinguisher (12.5-inch canister, 3-inch diameter, 1000g agent, 3 FFP) comparable to a 10lb dry chemical extinguisher. Multi-shot, non-corrosive, electrically non-conductive, requires no maintenance, and is effective on Class A, B, C, and K fires. Designed for household locations, vehicles, RVs, boats, and light commercial use. Priced at $800 per unit.
• STOP-FYRE® High Capacity Fire Extinguisher Handheld clean-agent fire extinguisher (1750g agent, 7 FFP, 25-second discharge time, 10–15 ft range) comparable to a 20lb dry chemical extinguisher, containing 2⅓ more agent than the Standard model in the same size canister. Multi-shot, non-corrosive, electrically non-conductive, requires no maintenance, and includes bracket and mounting hardware. Priced at $1,200 per unit.
• STOP-FYRE® Classic Automatic Fire Extinguisher Heat-sensitive automatic fire suppression unit with a single fusible link that melts at preset temperatures (165°F–450°F) to deploy the STOP-FYRE clean agent. Provides 7 FFP per canister, is refillable, and includes a manual release pull cable for manual activation.
• STOP-FYRE® Premium Automatic Fire Extinguisher Advanced automatic fire suppression unit with two heat-sensitive deployment points: a fusible link on the head and a fusible plug at the end of an additional stainless steel braided hose for targeted fire safety. Provides 7 FFP per canister, includes a manual release pull cable, and is priced at $5,000.
• STOP-FYRE® Dry-line Automatic Control Unit (ACU) System Fully customizable automatic fire suppression system built for combines, cotton equipment, engine rooms, server racks, and other critical equipment. Features pinpoint accuracy, automatic detection, heat-line sensors, and audio/visual warning capabilities. Priced at $44,000 depending on configuration.
• STOP-FYRE® Dry-line Manual Release System Manual push-button controlled fire suppression system with two dry-line accumulator units, one baler automatic unit, one engine compartment unit, and stainless steel braided hoses. Provides 28 FFP total. Priced at $21,600.
• STOP-FYRE® Wet-line Audio Visual Warning System (AVWS) Complete wet-line suppression system with two wet-line accumulator automatic units, one baler unit, one engine compartment unit, stainless steel braided hoses, and an AVWS that alerts the operator when the system deploys. Priced at $23,200.
• STOP-FYRE® Refill Service Refill service for used STOP-FYRE extinguishers. High Capacity refill priced at $962.50 and Standard refill priced at $550. If a unit is completely empty, the customer receives a brand new fully charged unit at the refill price.

Quantifiable outcome

• Customers have used STOP-FYRE to save combines from fire multiple times, with one customer reporting saving their combine five times in one year.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GovX IDminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to offer military and first responder discounts. GovX ID provides real-time verification of military and first responder status. AKE offers 10% discount on handhelds (excluding packs) to verified individuals.
• Farm RescuecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm Rescue provides planting and harvesting assistance to farm families that have experienced major injury, illness, or natural disaster. AKE is a Platinum Level Sponsor. Farm Rescue uses and trusts STOP-FYRE for their fire protection needs, validating the product for agricultural applications.
• Boy Scouts of America (BSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity support for BSA's youth development programs. The Boy Scouts of America builds character and trains youth in citizenship and personal fitness.
• Future Farmers of America (FFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity support for agricultural education. FFA develops students' potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
• 4-HminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity support for youth development organization that empowers youth to reach their full potential through partnerships with caring adults.
• Progressive Ag Safety DayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport for one-day safety education events that teach children safety and health lessons for farms, ranches, and homes.
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGSA Schedule contract holder (Contract #47QSMD20R0001) enabling government agencies to purchase STOP-FYRE fire extinguishers through pre-approved government procurement channels.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Amerex: Amerex is a leading U.S. manufacturer of fire extinguishers (handheld and wheeled) and fire suppression systems for commercial, industrial, and military markets. Direct competitor in both dry chemical and clean agent portable extinguishers with broad distribution and institutional scale comparison.
• Badger Fire Protection: Badger Fire Protection manufactures a full line of portable fire extinguishers and is an authorized Ansul distributor. It competes directly with AKE in commercial and industrial dry chemical and clean agent portable extinguisher SKUs.
• Buckeye Fire Equipment: Buckeye Fire Equipment is a major U.S. manufacturer of fire extinguishers, including clean agent and dry chemical models, plus wheeled units and restaurant systems. Comparable fire extinguisher portfolio and channel breadth make it a direct product peer.
• Minimax: Minimax is a specialist in clean agent and gas fire suppression systems for industrial, marine, and commercial applications. Closest comparable to AKE's high-end custom ACU/Dry-line/Wet-line engineered suppression systems for high-value equipment.
• Fike Corporation: Fike Corporation manufactures fire suppression systems, detection, and explosion protection equipment for industrial, energy, and process industries. Comparable on engineered automatic suppression systems and industrial compliance portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Kidde: Kidde is a leading global residential and commercial fire safety brand (part of Carrier) offering smoke alarms, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers. While much broader in scope, Kidde is a direct substitute for consumer and SMB customers weighing STOP-FYRE handhelds.
• Johnson Controls (Ansul): Johnson Controls owns the Ansul brand and is a global fire suppression and integrated building safety incumbent. Ansul competes in clean agent, kitchen hood, and vehicle suppression systems adjacent to AKE's industrial and engine room applications.
• First Alert: First Alert is a leading consumer brand for residential smoke, CO, and fire extinguishers sold through mass retail. A broad incumbent competing for the same household/RV/garage use cases that AKE targets in its consumer segment.

Emerging players

• Firetrace International: Firetrace International specializes in automatic fire suppression systems for equipment enclosures, vehicles, and industrial machinery using clean agent and dry chemical tubing technology. Overlaps directly with AKE's automatic/ACU equipment protection line.

Others

• Chemours (Freon™ / Halon business): Chemours is a major producer of refrigerants and historically halon-based fire suppression agents. As AKE's Halon 1211 supply chain counterparty, regulatory actions facing Chemours directly impact AKE's ability to source the core agent in its STOP-FYRE blend.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@akesafetyequipment?si=16sq0j9OqwZuCbmz
• Facebookfacebook.com/akesafetyequipment
• Instagraminstagram.com/akesafetyequipment
• Xx.com/akesafetyequip

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AKE Safety Equipment